Name: Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, tangy flavors and melts with delicate richness, you’ve got to try this Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce. It’s a perfect balance of tender, flaky salmon coated in a luscious, creamy sauce that effortlessly combines the sharp bite of Dijon mustard with the zesty freshness of lemon. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers a sophisticated taste without fuss, showcasing ingredients that come together in a way that makes your taste buds sing.

Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, making the Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce both flavorful and visually appealing. The salmon provides a rich, meaty base; the Dijon mustard brings that tangy depth; and the lemon components brighten everything up, while garlic and herbs add warmth and freshness.

4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and taste.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adjust the amount to control the tanginess; this is the star of your sauce.
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess without overpowering the lemon mustard flavors.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Fresh juice ensures a lively, bright flavor, essential to the sauce.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the citrus punch with aromatic oils from the peel.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the salmon, helping it bake up moist and tender.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential to bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and sauce.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle at the end for a fresh, colorful touch.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A perfect finishing touch that intensifies the lemon flavor when squeezed over.

How to Make Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C), the ideal temperature to gently cook the salmon to tender perfection without drying it out. This step sets the stage for all the wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until you have a nice smooth, creamy Lemon Dijon Sauce. This sauce will coat the salmon, giving every bite that signature tangy, rich flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Lay your salmon fillets in a baking dish and gently drizzle olive oil over each piece, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper for balanced flavor. This simple step creates a lovely base that helps seal in moisture while baking.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Spoon the luscious Lemon Dijon Sauce evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure every bite will have that fabulous zing. Bake everything in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when gently prodded with a fork. The sauce will set into a creamy, tangy glaze during baking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your salmon is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a bit of herbal brightness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of sunshine to their plate.

How to Serve Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the lemon and mustard flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or dill can also enhance the dish’s aromatic profile, giving it that extra special touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side options such as steamed asparagus, a crisp green salad, or roasted baby potatoes. Each side offers a different texture and flavor that balances the creamy, tangy salmon perfectly, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the salmon atop a bed of herbed couscous or creamy risotto with a drizzle of the leftover Lemon Dijon Sauce over the top. You can also add a colorful side of sautéed seasonal vegetables to brighten up the presentation even more. Remember, a beautifully plated meal always tastes better!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce separate from the fish can help maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked salmon without the sauce for up to 1 month. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) until heated through, or microwave on a low power setting to avoid drying it out. Add fresh Lemon Dijon Sauce just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and texture, you can use other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of fish.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the Lemon Dijon Sauce?

Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a slight tang that balances the mustard and lemon beautifully, but you could substitute with sour cream or mayonnaise if needed, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten, just make sure to use gluten-free Dijon mustard if you’re sensitive.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The salmon should flake easily when pressed with a fork and be opaque throughout but still moist. Baking at 375°F for about 15 minutes usually gets this just right for a 6-ounce fillet.

Can I prepare the Lemon Dijon Sauce in advance?

Definitely! You can whisk up the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator to save time—just give it a quick stir before spreading it over the salmon.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce, it quickly becomes one of those go-to dishes you want to make again and again. It’s approachable enough for weeknights but elegant enough to wow guests. The combination of creamy, tangy sauce and perfectly baked salmon is pure comfort and delight—a real winner in any kitchen!

Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Dijon Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and coated with a tangy, creamy sauce made from Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, it’s a healthy and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the salmon.
Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined to create the Lemon Dijon Sauce.
Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the fillets and season each piece with salt and pepper to taste.
Coat Salmon: Spoon the prepared Lemon Dijon Sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure each fillet is well-coated with the sauce.
Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added citrus flavor.
Optional Preparation: While the salmon is baking, prepare your choice of side dishes or vegetables to complete the meal.